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We are here for you to provide the important Recent and Latest Current Affairs April 29 2026, which have unique updates of Latest Current Affairs 2026 events from all newspapers such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, PIB, Times of India, PTI, Indian Express, Business Standard and all Government official websites.

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

India–New Zealand Signed FTA in New Delhi; 100% Duty-Free Access & USD 20 Billion Investment 
In April 2026, Union Minister Piyush Goyal, Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I) and Todd McClay, New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment, signed the India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (IN-NZ FTA) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Delhi.

• The agreement aims to strengthen trade, services, investment, mobility, and overall economic cooperation in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

About India–New Zealand FTA:
Access: India gains 100% duty-free access on all 8,284 tariff lines to New Zealand while India liberalises 70.03% of tariff lines covering 95% of bilateral trade value with key exclusions.
Services: New Zealand opens 118 sectors with Most Favoured Nation (MFN) commitments across 139 sub-sectors including Information Technology (IT), education, finance, and tourism.
Investment: New Zealand commits USD 20 billion over 15 years in infrastructure, renewable energy, manufacturing, and startups.

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar Releases NITI Aayog’s Report on ‘Moving Towards Effective City Government’
In April 2026, the Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), released the report titled ‘Moving Towards Effective City Government – A framework for Million-plus Cities’ by National Institution for Transforming India (NITI Aayog) at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, Delhi.

• The report highlights the pivotal role of urbanisation in achieving India’s long-term development goals, including the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 and a USD 30 trillion economy.

Key Highlights of the Report:
Methodology: The report is based on extensive deliberations, rigorous analysis, and a review of global best practices carried out in consultation with experts.
Identification: The report identifies persistent governance issues, including weak and fragmented leadership structures, constrained fiscal capacity, and capacity gaps that limit service delivery and urban performance.
Focus: The report stresses the need to strengthen institutional structures alongside sectoral reforms, while positioning million-plus cities as key engines of national economic growth.

Jordan joins India-led Global Initiatives ISA, CDRI and GBA 
In April 2026, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan formally joined the International Solar Alliance (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), and Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA), strengthening strategic cooperation with India in clean energy, climate resilience, and sustainable fuels.

• The membership documents were formally handed over by Yousef Abdelghani, Jordan’s Ambassador to India, to Dr. Neena Malhotra, Secretary (South), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi, Delhi.

Significance of Jordan’s Entry:
Climate: Jordan’s participation expands India-led clean energy diplomacy, strengthens Middle East engagement, and reinforces India’s role as a global climate leader through multilateral platforms.
ISA: Jordan joined ISA to achieve 50% electricity generation from renewables by 2030, gaining access to global best practices, storage technologies, and low-interest financing.
CDRI: Jordan’s participation in CDRI, supports resilience in water and transport sectors and includes involvement in initiatives like Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS) and Global Infrastructure Resilience Survey (GIRS).
GBA: Jordan’s entry into the GBA focuses on utilising agricultural and municipal solid waste for biofuel production to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Relations: It deepens India–Jordan ties, marking 75 years of diplomatic relations, advancing a “futuristic partnership” led by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and King of Jordan Abdullah II, and supporting trade growth from USD 3 billion to USD 5 billion.

Right to Safe Road Travel Part of Article 21 of Constitution: SC 
In April 2026, the Supreme Court of India(SCI) officially declared ‘Right to Safe Road Travel’ is an integral part of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

• The judgment was delivered in the matter of In Re: Phalodi Accident, where the Court examined issues related to road safety and accountability on highways and expressways.

Key Directives & Mandates:
Legal Significance: The judgment expands Article 21 of the Constitution of India by recognising commuter safety as a fundamental right and emphasises the State’s duty to ensure safe infrastructure and prevent avoidable loss of life.
Restrictions : The Court banned unauthorised dhabas and eateries on the Right of Way (ROW) of National Highways(NH) and mandated that no new licences or No Objection Certificates(NOC) be issued without approval from the National Highways Authority of India(NHAI).
Highway Safety Measures: The Court barred heavy vehicle parking on highways outside designated areas and mandated patrols, surveillance, and emergency response systems for improved road safety.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

UNESCO Adds 12 New Global Geoparks, Expanding Network to 241 Sites
In April 2026, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) designated 12 new Global Geoparks, bringing the total to 241 sites across 51 countries, covering over 882,000 square kilometres(Sq km).

• The newly added sites span across China, France, Greece, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, Portugal, Russia, Tunisia(first-ever), and Uruguay.

About UNESCO Global Geoparks:
Establishment: Created as an official UNESCO label in 2015, these sites use a “bottom-up” approach involving local stakeholders.
Purpose: The designation aims to protect geological heritage while promoting environmental education, sustainable development, and local community empowerment.
Duration: The status is granted for four years. To maintain the title, sites undergo a revalidation process.
New Geoparks Added (2026): Changshan (China), Mt. Siguniang (China), Terres d’Hérault (France), Nisyros (Greece), Joyce Country and Western Lakes (Ireland), Mine-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau (Japan), Lenggong (Malaysia), Sarawak Delta (Malaysia), Algarvensis (Portugal), Toratau (Russia), Dahar (Tunisia), and Manantiales Serranos (Uruguay).

India–Kenya Sign Customs Cooperation MoU at 10th JTC Meeting in Nairobi
In April 2026, India and Kenya strengthened their economic ties by signing a customs cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the 10th India-Kenya Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meeting held in Nairobi(Kenya), after a gap of seven years at the Commerce Secretary level.

• The meeting was co-chaired by Rajesh Agrawal, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce & Industry(MoC&I), and Regina Akoth Ombam, Principal Secretary for Trade of Kenya.

Highlights of MoU
Signatories: The agreement on exchange of pre-arrival information for goods was signed between Yogendra Garg, Member, Central Board of Indirect Taxes(CBIC) and Lilian Nyawanda, Commissioner General, Kenya Revenue Authority(KRA).
Objective: The MoU aims to enhance customs cooperation, enable faster clearance, improve risk management, and facilitate smoother bilateral trade.
Key Sectors: Both countries have longstanding trade ties in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, digital infrastructure, fintech, energy, renewable energy, and manufacturing.

BANKING & FINANCE

MobiKwik Receives RBI Approval for NBFC Licence 
In April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) application of One MobiKwik Systems Limited, allowing it to set up its subsidiary MobiKwik Financial Services Private Limited as a lending arm, subject to receiving the Certificate of Registration (CoR).

• This move enables MobiKwik to expand into direct lending and become a full-stack financial services platform in India.

About MobiKwik NBFC Expansion:
Purpose: The NBFC arm enables regulated lending with secured and unsecured products, faster rollout, and stronger underwriting and risk control.
Strategy: The company focuses on consumers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to expand formal credit access and financial inclusion.
Products: Offerings include personal loans, merchant loans, Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) credit, and MSME working capital loans.
NBFC Criteria: An NBFC licence requires incorporation as a Public or Private Limited Company under the Companies Act, 2013, maintaining a minimum Net Owned Fund (NOF) of Rs.10 crore (as of October 2022, to be met by March 31, 2027), and registration with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

ONGC Approves JV with MRPL and OPaL to Integrate Petrochemicals Marketing Operations
In April 2026, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG), approved the formation of a Joint Venture (JV) with its subsidiaries Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) and ONGC Petro additions Limited (OPaL) for integrated petrochemicals marketing and trading.

• The proposal is subject to approval from the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

About ONGC Petrochemical JV:
Structure: The shareholding comprises ONGC (50%, Rs.25 crore), MRPL (25%, Rs.12.5 crore), and OPaL (25%, to be confirmed), creating a unified group-level platform.
Operational Integration: The joint venture integrates petrochemical marketing operations of ONGC group companies to enhance efficiency, optimise supply chains, and reduce costs through economies of scale.
Market & Margin Growth:
It improves margins through better pricing, grade optimisation, and revenue realisation, while focusing on specialty petrochemical grades and expanding third-party sales.
Support: The JV supports import substitution, strengthens domestic capacity, aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat, positions ONGC as an integrated energy major.

Sigma Advanced Systems signs Rs.3,800 crore deal with Rolls-Royce for Aerospace Components
In April 2026, Sigma Advanced Systems Limited (SIGD), an aerospace and defence company in India, has signed a 7-year long-term agreement worth Rs.3,800 crore (~ 300 million pounds) with Rolls-Royce (United Kingdom, UK) to manufacture and supply high-precision, safety-critical components for It’s global aerospace programmes.

About Sigma–Rolls-Royce Agreement:
Scope: The agreement covers manufacturing of high-precision, safety-critical aerospace components, assemblies, and engine and aerostructure parts for Rolls-Royce programmes.
Network: The deal operates through an integrated India–UK manufacturing platform combining cost efficiency with engineering proximity.
Strategy: It positions Sigma as a global aerospace systems partner in the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) ecosystem with stable long-term revenue visibility.
Outcome: The agreement enhances financial predictability, drives higher-value manufacturing, and supports global expansion.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Telangana CM A. Revanth Reddy Flags Off ‘Vikram-1’, India’s First Private Rocket by Skyroot Aerospace 
In April 2026, A. Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister (CM) of Telangana, flagged off the flight hardware of ‘Vikram-1’, India’s first privately built orbital rocket developed by Skyroot Aerospace Private Limited , from its Max-Q campus in Hyderabad, Telangana to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre(SDSC) in Sriharikota(Andhra Pradesh, AP).
About Vikram-1:
Purpose: This maiden flight will be a demonstration mission carrying several CubeSats to validate the vehicle’s orbital capabilities.
Technical Specifications : It is a multi-stage launch vehicle specifically engineered to carry satellites weighing up to 350 kilogram(kg) into Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the region of space ranging from 160 kilometer(km) to 2,000 km above Earth.
Timeline: The mission is tentatively scheduled for June 2026, subject to final approval from the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center(IN-SPACe), under the Department of Space (DOS), and with the technical oversight of Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO).

SPORTS

ISSF and IPC Sign Agreement to Transfer Governance of Para Shooting Sport to ISSF 
In April 2026, the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) signed an agreement to transfer the governance and operations of Shooting Para Sport from the IPC to the ISSF.

• The sport is currently governed by World Shooting Para Sport under the IPC.

Implementation:
Objective:  The initiative aims to create unified governance for Olympic and Paralympic shooting, harmonize rules and standards, and enhance visibility and development opportunities for Para athletes.
Approval Process: The transfer will take effect only after ratification by member federations at the General Assembly scheduled for late 2026.
Implementation Timeline: If approved, the new structure will begin in early 2027 with a two-year integration period until 2028 to ensure smooth transition without disrupting competitions and preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics(the United States of America, USA).

OBITUARY

Olympic Bronze Medallist Gurbax Singh Grewal Passed Away
In April 2026, renowned Indian hockey player Gurbax Singh Grewal passed away at the age of 84 in New Delhi, Delhi. He was born on April 1, 1942 in Lyallpur (now Faisalabad,Pakistan).

• He was part of the Indian men’s hockey team that won a bronze medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics(Mexico).

About Gurbax Singh Grewal:
Early Career: In his early 20s, he pursued hockey professionally and represented Western Railways, where he built a distinguished playing career.
Olympic Milestone: He was part of the1968 Indian Olympic hockey team and also shared the field with his brother, Balbir Singh Grewal, marking a rare instance of two siblings representing India at the same Olympic Games.
Contribution: After retirement, Gurbax Singh Grewal served as Honorary Secretary of the Mumbai Hockey Association and worked as a coach, contributing to player development and mentoring young talent.

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Penguin Day 2026– April 25
World Penguin Day is observed globally on 25 April each year to highlight the environmental challenges faced by penguins and promote efforts for their conservation and survival.
Background:
Origin: World Penguin Day has been celebrated since 25 April 1972, when researchers first observed penguins migrating northward.
Scientific Basis: The date is linked to the annual migration of the Adélie Penguin, a phenomenon recorded by scientists at McMurdo Station in Antarctica.
Expansion of Scope: Initially focused on the Adélie Penguin, the observance now celebrates all 18 species of penguins found worldwide.

World Veterinary Day 2026– April 25
World Veterinary Day (WVD) is observed globally on the last Saturday of April each year to acknowledge the vital role of veterinarians in promoting animal health, welfare, and public safety.

• World Veterinary Day 2026 was observed on April 25, 2026.
• 2026 Theme: “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health”

Background:
Origin: In 1863, John Gamgee of the Veterinary College of Edinburgh (the United Kingdom, UK) initiated the first World Veterinary Congress.
Establishment : In 1959, the World Veterinary Association (WVA) was established to promote global animal health and welfare.
Launch: In 2000, the WVAintroduced WVD as an annual observance.
Lead Organization: The annual observance is coordinated by the WVA, a global federation committed to advancing veterinary science and practice.

International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day 2026 – April 26 
The United Nations (UN’s) International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day is annually observed across the globe on 26th April to honour the victims and survivors of explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986 and raise awareness about its long-lasting impacts.

• April 26, 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.

Background:
Establishment: On 8th December 2016, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/71/125 and proclaimed the 26th April of every year as International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day.
First Observance:The 1st ever International Chernobyl Disaster Remembrance Day was observed on 26th April 2017.

World Intellectual Property Day 2026 – April 26
World Intellectual Property Day (World IP Day) is observed annually across the globe on April 26 to promote awareness about intellectual property rights and highlight how patents, copyrights, trademarks, and designs shape everyday life while celebrating creativity and innovation.

• 2026 Theme: “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate”

Background:
Origin: Established in 2000 by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to promote awareness and understanding of intellectual property.
First Observance: The first World IP Day was celebrated on 26 April 2001.
Significance: The date commemorates the enforcement of the Convention Establishing the WIPO, which came into force in 1970.

STATE NEWS

UP Introduces 10-year ‘Warranty’ Model for Rural Water Schemes under JJM
In April 2026, Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister(CM) of Uttar Pradesh(UP), announced a 10-year warranty model for rural water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission(JJM) to ensure long-term sustainability and accountability.

• With this initiative, UP has become the first state to mandate long-term accountability under the JJM.

Key Benefits of Scheme:
Policy Framework: Under the ‘Jal Arpan’ initiative, the policy transfers ownership of village water infrastructure to Gram Panchayats(GPs) while mandating construction agencies to operate and maintain the systems for 10 years.
Initiative: The state has deployed over 33,000 solar-powered water schemes, cutting maintenance costs by around 52% while enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
Monitoring: Strengthened water monitoring with 75 district labs, a state facility, mobile National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) -accredited labs, and in-house plant labs, along with a Citizen Charter to ensure standards for water quantity, quality, and delivery.

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